The optimal age to spay or neuter a cat is before it reaches 5 months of age. For owned cats, the optimal age would be 4 to 5 months, while for cats in shelters, the optimal age could be as early as 8 weeks. However, there is some debate among veterinarians about the best time to spay or neuter a cat. Here are the general options:

• Early or pediatric spay/neuter: This is done at six to eight weeks of age.
• Standard spay and neuter: This is done at five to six months of age.
• Waiting until after the first heat: This is done somewhere between eight to twelve months of age.

According to Dr. Adam Denish of Rhawnhurst Animal Hospital, the optimal age for spay/neuter is five months of age. The concerns over early spay/neuter are mostly due to the prevailing opinion that new owners may not do the procedure, and the pet is free to breed. However, current scientific evidence shows no medical or behavioral reasons to delay spaying/neutering of cats past 5 months of age, and there are population and health benefits to doing it earlier. It is always best to talk to your veterinarian so they can inform you when the best time is to have your kitten spayed/neutered.